By David Henry Updated 6:41 pm, Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Bum Phillips isn’t picking a side.
The former Houston Oilers coach, who coached at both Nederland and Port Neches-Groves High School, won’t be wearing purple or black and gold as he attends the game between the two Mid-County rivals on Friday in Port Neches.
He’ll sit in the press box – the most neutral spot in Indian Stadium.
“I don’t see how you can pick sides when you worked with both schools, have friends on both sides, know their children and their grandchildren,” said Phillips, 88, who now resides on his horse ranch in Goliad.
Phillips, who will attend the game along with his son Wade, the former Dallas Cowboys head coach and current Houston Texans assistant coach, will be honored at the coin toss before the game and will attend dedications in both Port Neches and Nederland Friday morning for the street named after him, FM 365, Bum Phillips Way.
Coaches of both teams and players will meet Bum and Wade Phillips.
The game at the 16,000-seat venue is already sold out.
“They’re not just Southeast Texas royalty – they are football royalty,” said PN-G head coach Brandon Faircloth.
